Writing about Life

Tag Archives: London

2013 is approaching and as I look back on the past year I find myself reflecting on what went well and what did not. So the done thing is to make some new year’s resolutions. The same time last year I promised myself I would start running, eat healthily, find my degree interesting and stop biting my finger nails. By the 5th January I was sat in front of the TV in my newly purchased running gear, eating a 1 kilogram bar of dairy milk chocolate, in a deep state of denial about the large pile of books on the French Revolution lying on my desk, whilst intermittently biting my finger nails in a state of panic about my other three resolutions. It is safe to say that this trend continued well into 2012.

It’s safe to say this was not me!

This year I’m not going to set myself resolutions in the traditional sense, I’m going to make a promise to myself about what I am NOT going to do! I see it as channelling my inner whiner! But these are definitely my top three.

Number 1 – I refuse to be inspired!

A hasty statement perhaps but I will explain. I watched the Olympics, I enjoyed the Olympics, I believed with no training or commitment I could become the next Jess Ennis. In short it is fair to say I felt the Olympics was inspiring, but my inspiration only went as far as buying some trainers! So when I say I refuse to be inspired. What I actually mean is I refuse to be inspired, spend money on my new inspiration and fail to commit to the cause.

Number 2 – I will NOT think up ridiculous money making schemes!

I say this as I have a penchant for believing, as exhibited by my Olympics example that I do not need to plan things. In my wisdom I thought I could write a book in 2 weeks, send it to a publisher and be a millionaire before returning to university in October. One small problem was that I didn’t actually have an idea for a story; but knew that 50 shades of Grey had been a big seller, so set about writing my own version. It is safe to say that 50 shades of brown remains in a state of permanent incompleteness!

Number 3 – I will not embark upon DIY skin care projects!

Now when I say DIY skin care I mean, in essence homemade face masks. Lidl at some point in 2012 had avocados for sale at about 30p each. I thought ‘bargain!’ so bought 5. Of course having not thought the process through I couldn’t think of anything to make with avocado except guacamole. So they stayed in my fridge for 2 weeks before I hit upon the idea of making a facemask. The face mask was a combination of avocado, natural yoghurt and honey – a recipe I wish I had never found on the internet. I mixed up as it said to do and applied to my face. Unfortunately the avocado pieces were too heavy and gravity came into play. I had pieces of avocado falling into my eyes, mouth, lap and covering the table I was working at with a thick unpleasant, lumpy, green paste. And to top it all off when it was removed – my face was just sticky – Not a success!

Face mask take 2: the turmeric disaster! This one was truly the worst of all, I forget the other ingredients but I know there was turmeric. I mixed it all together, applied to the face and left for 30 minutes. Unfortunately upon removing the facemask I was made aware of the fact that turmeric stains. I was yellow for a week!

I woke up this morning only to be greeted by an email on my phone that told me there are a mere one hundred days until the London Olympics. Now I’m not exactly a sports fan, so god only knows why I receive such emails. I can’t think of anything less fun than sitting watching someone run round and round a track or even worse throw a pole with point on the end as far as they can.

London 2012, only 100 days to go!

But don’t get me wrong, I have no complaint about the Olympics being in London … apart from maybe that god awful kit designed by Stella McCartney. I’m not sure a ‘sharp and contemporary’ kit is going to help the medal situation. Especially when Usain Bolt said today he wants to run 100 metres in 9.4 seconds!!

Not sure about the crotch patches Stella!

Now that is just insane Usain!!

When I read that I started to fantasize about being able to move that fast myself. A gym session might pass quicker – maximum calories burned, in minimum time. What if I could get everything done that fast? If I could read a book in just 9.4 seconds, I’d never be behind on uni work again! Oh the possibilities …

But back to the Olympics. Despite not being a sports fan, I think the games could be great. I know there are people that say ‘what a waste of money!’ etc etc. Maybe that’s true, but how many events can create universal interest and excitement? How many events can bring so many people together? And how many events do you know of that have their own countdown timer in Trafalgar Square for god’s sake?

Only 100 days to go …

So even as a complete non-sports fan: I have say I might be a tiny bit excited about the Olympics. Not for the sports, I can think of nothing worse, but just the sheer scale of the event. Just the atmosphere it will create.